Sage Publications Journalism and Society

"Every serious student of journalism should read this book... Denis McQuail has succeeded in producing a work of scholarship that shows what journalists do and what they should do." - Stephen Coleman, University of Leeds "For a half century we have spoken earnestly of journalism′s responsibility to society instead of to business and government. Now this concept is given sophistication unmatched, by the best scholar of media theory of his generation." - Clifford Christians, University of Illinois "The grand old man of communication theory presents an overarching social theory of journalism that goes beyond the usual Anglo-American focus." - Jo Bardoel, University of Amsterdam (ASCoR) and Nijmegen " This book deals with the eternal question of how journalism is linked to society ... I cannot think of a better staple food for students of journalism at all levels." - Kaarle Nordenstreng, University of Tampere This is a major new statement on the role of journalism in democracy from one of media and communication′s leading thinkers. Denis McQuail leads the reader through a systematic exploration of how and why journalism and society have become so inextricably entwined and - as importantly - what this relationship should be like. It is a strong re-statement of the fundamental values that journalism aspires to. Written for students, this book: Makes the theory accessible and relevant Teaches the importance of journalism to power and politics Explores the status and future of journalism as a profession Outlines the impact and consequences of the digital Reveals journalism as it is, but also as it should be Takes each chapter further with guided reading list and free online journal articles. This textbook is the perfect answer to the how and why of journalism. It is crucial reading for any student of media studies, communication studies and journalism. Review Every serious student of journalism should read this book. Combining sophisticated analysis with an accessible writing style, Denis McQuail has succeeded in producing a work of scholarship that shows what journalists do and what they should do. Stephen ColemanProfessor of Political Communication, Institute of Communications Studies, University of Leeds This luminous book sets a new standard for the textbook genre. Brilliant in contents, crystal-clear precision where every sentence counts, rigorous with ideas, it teaches the world mind. For a half century we have spoken earnestly of journalism′s responsibility to society instead of to business and government. Now this concept is given sophistication unmatched, by the best scholar of media theory of his generation.Clifford ChristiansUniversity of Illinois This is going to be a must-read in journalism and communication classes. McQuail quality as we know it.Christina Holtz-BachaUniversity of Erlangen-Nuremberg Journalism, as a profession, evolves, becoming increasingly complex and diverse. Especially now we need to be reminded where it came from, how it works, and where it stands in society. Denis McQuail provides the indispensable gateway.Mark DeuzeUniversity of Amsterdam At a time when the journalistic profession is fundamentally challenged by technological transformations and new business models, Denis McQuail reminds us of the continuing social and political relevance of journalism in and for democratic societies. The grand old man of communication theory presents an overarching social theory of journalism that goes beyond the usual Anglo-American focus and develops a truly global scope, reflecting both his own previous work as well as that of many others. The master of synthesis offers an excellent overview of the position and mission of journalism in an information society that opens up the field of journalism and journalism studies for both students and scholars.Jo BardoelProfessor of Journalism and Media, University of Amsterdam (ASCoR) and Nijmegen, the Netherlands